Platform blocks for exercise applications

ABSTRACT

Platform blocks for use in exercising applications are provided. A platform block generally includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, and defining a length and a width. The block also includes a plurality of protrusions extending upwards from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body, and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows. Each opening has a width dimension. The openings in two adjacent rows of the multiple rows of openings in the bottom surface of the body each have a width dimension that is greater than the width dimension of the other openings defined in the bottom surface of the body. As such, the platform block may be used in stacking arrangements with other platform blocks having different sizes.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to platform blocks for use in exercising applications, such as weightlifting, strength training, medical or physical therapy facilities, training on stairs, etc.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Changes in elevation of surfaces are useful during certain exercise activities. Stairs or blocks may be used to alter the difficulty, angle, or other aspect of exercise activities, such as calisthenics or aerobics. Additionally, the stairs or blocks may be used to enable and/or support weight for different weightlifting exercises. In order to obtain variable surface elevations, multiple blocks or other objects are used, stacking the blocks directly on top of one another in order to obtain the desired height. Stacking of blocks is further enhanced by blocks that include features for interlocking with other blocks when stacked directly on them.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block 100 including features for interlocking with another similar block when the block 100 is either stacked directly on top of the similar block or the similar block is stacked directly on top of the illustrated block 100. The illustrated block 100 includes protrusions at regular intervals along two sides of the top surface. The illustrated block 100 further includes a grid of openings in the bottom surface. The openings in the bottom surface are arranged such that, if the block 100 is stacked directly onto another similar block having protrusions substantially similar to those illustrated, the protrusions of the other block would interlock with the openings on the bottom of the illustrated block 100.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to platform blocks for use in exercising applications. In one exemplary embodiment, the platform block includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, and defining a length and a width. The platform block also includes a plurality of protrusions extending upwards from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body, and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows. Each opening has a width dimension. The openings in two adjacent rows of the multiple rows of openings in the bottom surface of the body each have a width dimension that is greater than the width dimension of the other openings defined in the bottom surface of the body.

In another exemplary embodiment, a platform block assembly includes multiple platform blocks. Each platform block has a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body, and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows. A first one of the platform blocks is configured to be arranged with protrusions thereof received in openings of a second one of the platform blocks, such that the first and second ones of the platform blocks can be arranged in a first stack. A third one of the platform blocks is configured to be arranged with protrusions thereof received in openings of a fourth one of the platform blocks, such that the third and fourth ones of the platform blocks can be arranged in a second stack. And, a fifth one of the platform blocks is configured to be disposed at least partially across the top of the first stack and the second stack, with protrusions of the second one of the platform blocks and protrusions of the fourth one of the platform blocks received in openings of the fifth one of the platform blocks, thereby coupling the first stack to the second stack.

In another exemplary embodiment, a platform block assembly generally includes multiple platform blocks, where each platform block has a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body, and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows. A first one of the platform blocks is configured to be disposed at least partially across the top surfaces of second and third ones of the platform blocks, with protrusions of the second and third ones of the platform blocks received in openings of the first one of the platform blocks, thereby coupling the second and third ones of the platform blocks together.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a platform block according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary platform block according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the platform block of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the platform block of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the platform block of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the platform block of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the platform block of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is front view of the platform block of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a back view of the platform block of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the platform block of FIG. 2 coupled across the top of two stacks of multiple ones of the platform block of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of another example stacking arrangement of multiple ones of the platform block of FIG. 2.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Exercise activities (e.g., weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, calisthenics, etc.) can be enabled, improved, etc., and can be enhanced, by varying elevation of the surfaces involved, making use of step-like surfaces, supporting and/or positioning weights, etc. Example platform blocks described herein can provide a surface on which weights can be supported, can provide an elevated surface for use in altering the angle and/or difficulty of exercise activities, can provide a series of step surfaces for use in exercise activities, etc. In some embodiments, example platform blocks may be used in medical or physical therapy facilities, for training on stairs, etc. For example, the platform blocks may be sized to fit an existing stair size, may have a width and depth sufficient to allow a person to stand on the block with an assistive device (e.g., a cane, walker, etc.), etc. In so doing, use of the blocks can be implemented to replicate stairs for use in stepping up and/or stepping down.

The platform blocks herein generally include protrusions that allow for securely stacking the platform blocks directly on top of one other, or in other offset arrangements relative to other blocks. The platform blocks can interlock with one another to inhibit sliding of one platform block off of another. Further, the described platform blocks may interlock with other types of blocks to enhance stability, security, etc. of the platform block stacks. Features of the platform blocks may be used in weightlifting activities to prevent dangerous shifting, rolling, etc. of heavy weights. For instance, the described platform blocks may be used to cradle rounded weight plates on a barbell during lifts, such as deadlifts, etc., to inhibit the barbell from rolling too far and/or rolling off of the platform blocks (when the barbell weights are resting on the platform blocks).

The platform blocks may comprise any suitable material capable of supporting weight during exercising applications (e.g., supporting weights during weightlifting, etc.). For example, the platform blocks may comprise rubber, compressed material, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), combinations thereof, etc. In one particular example, the platform blocks may include a blend of HDPE and LDPE material to provide higher impact-strength blocks. Further, the material may include pre-consumer or post-consumer (e.g., recycled) materials.

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 2-9 illustrate multiple views of a platform block 200 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the platform block 200 includes a body 202 having a top surface 204 and a bottom surface 206.

The body 202 defines a length, a width, and a height. Accordingly, the body 202 of the platform block 200 may define a six-sided polyhedron shape. For example, the body of the platform block 200 may have a width of approximately 19 inches (as indicated by dimension K of FIG. 5), a length of approximately 31 inches (as indicated by dimension D of FIG. 5), and a height of approximately 2 inches. It should be understood, however, that the dimensions provided herein are merely exemplary (and are not limiting), and that other embodiments of the platform block 200 may include different dimensions, may have other suitable shapes, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The platform block 200 includes multiple protrusions 208 extending upwards from the top surface 204 of the body. The protrusions 208 extending from the top surface of the platform block 200 may be uniform in size, shape, height, etc. For example, each protrusion 208 may have a height of approximately 1 inch (as shown by dimension M of FIG. 8 and dimension N of FIG. 9) (e.g., the protrusions 208 may each extend from the top surface 204 of the platform block 200, etc.), a width of approximately 0.13 inches, and a length of approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, however, the protrusions 208 may have different dimensions, and/or one or more of the protrusions 208 may have different dimensions from other ones of the protrusions 208. Further, the protrusions 208 may have any desired shape, and still operate as described herein. For example, the illustrated protrusions are generally rectangular in shape (as an aesthetic design selection), but could be shaped otherwise in other embodiments, as desired (e.g., square shaped, oval shaped, triangular shaped, etc.).

The protrusions 208 may be arranged on the top surface 204 of the platform block 200 in one or more patterns. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the protrusions 208 are disposed along edge portions 210 of top surface 204 of the body 202. The protrusions 208 are disposed on the edge portions 210 along a width of the body 202, which is shorter than a length of the body 202.

The protrusions 208 are arranged in rows on the top surface 204 and are spaced, the illustrated embodiment, in a crenelated manner (as an aesthetic design selection), forming regularly sized notches between pairs of protrusions 208 in the rows. For example, the notches may be approximately 0.9 inches in width, such that adjacent protrusions are spaced from one another by approximately 0.9 inches. Dimension A of FIG. 4 illustrates a distance including a notch width and a protrusion width. In some embodiments, the dimension A may be about 1.9 inches, and the width of a protrusion 208 may be about one inch. It should be appreciated that the protrusions may be arranged otherwise in other embodiments (e.g., other than in rows, other than in a crenelated manner, etc.).

The platform block 200 includes two rows of protrusions 208, with one row along each of the edge portions 210 that define the width of the top surface 204. Each row of protrusions 208 may be disposed a uniform distance from the corresponding edge portion 210. For example, the protrusions 208 may be located approximately 0.13 inches from the edge portions 210, and approximately 0.13 inches from the lengthwise edge portions (as illustrated by dimensions B and C in FIG. 4).

The protrusions 208 may be defined on, coupled to, etc. the top surface 204 of the platform block 200 in any suitable manner. For example, the protrusions 208 may be integrally formed with the body 202 of the platform block during a molding manufacturing process, etc. In some embodiments, the protrusions 208 may be coupled to the body 202 using adhesive, screws, bolts, etc.

Again, although FIGS. 2-8 illustrate the protrusions 208 as having a rectangular shape, it should be apparent that protrusions in other embodiments may have any other suitable shapes, including but not limited to rounded protrusions, triangular protrusions, etc.

In addition, it should be understood that, while the rows of protrusions 208 in FIGS. 2-8 each include ten protrusions 208, other embodiments may include rows of protrusions that include more or less numbers of protrusions 208 in each row (e.g., eight protrusions, nine protrusions, eleven protrusions, twelve protrusions, etc.).

Further, while FIGS. 2-8 illustrate two rows of protrusions 208 on the top surface 204 of the platform block 200, other embodiments may include more or less rows of protrusions 208 (e.g., one row of protrusions along one side, three rows of protrusions, four rows of protrusions, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the bottom surface 206 of the platform block 200 defines multiple openings 214. Each opening is defined by one or more ribs 216 (e.g., walls, etc.). For example, each rib 216 may be approximately 0.38 inches wide (as indicated by dimension L in FIG. 5). The center of each rib 216 may be spaced apart by approximately 1.9 inches (as indicated by dimensions I and J in FIG. 5), by approximately 1.89 inches (as indicated by dimension G of FIG. 5), etc. And, a distance from the edge portion 210 to a center of a rib 216 may be approximately 2.08 inches, as indicated by dimension H in FIG. 5.

At least some (or all) of the openings 214 may define a uniform shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 214 are all generally cubic in shape (as an aesthetic design selection), but could have other shapes in other embodiments (e.g., rounded shapes, cylinder shapes, triangular shapes, etc.). For example, at least some of the openings 214 may be approximately 1.51 inches wide and 1.52 inches long. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the openings 214 have a rectangular shape. As should be apparent, however, other embodiments may include openings having other suitable dimensions, shapes, etc., including but not limited to triangles, circles, hexagons, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A depth of the openings 214 of the platform block 200 may be defined by a difference between the height of the platform block 200 and a thickness of the top surface 204 of the platform block 200. For example, the height of the platform block 200 may be approximately 2 inches, and a thickness of the top surface 204 may be approximately 0.38 inches. Accordingly, the depth of the openings 214 defined in the bottom surface 206, in this example, may be approximately 1.62 inches.

In some embodiments, the depths of at least some (or all) of the openings 214 may be uniform. The depths of the openings 214 may correspond to a height of the protrusions 208, thereby facilitating a protrusion 208 to be received in an opening 214 of another platform block 200 when stacked together. For example, a height of one of the protrusions 208 may be less than or approximately equal to a depth of an opening 214 to allow the protrusion 208 to be received in the opening 214 of the other platform block 200. In some embodiments, the height of the protrusion 208 may be greater than or equal to half of the depth of the opening 214 to increase a coupling strength between the protrusion 208 and the opening 214, thereby inhibiting the protrusion 208 from slipping out of a corresponding opening 214 (and thereby helping secure the blocks together and inhibiting the blocks from tipping over when stacked). As should be apparent, other embodiments may have opening depths that are non-uniform, that are more or less than the height of the protrusions, etc.

The openings 214 are arranged in multiple rows 212. The rows 212 may be arranged in a grid pattern with the openings 214 of the rows 212 also arranged in columns. In the example embodiment of FIG. 5, each row includes ten openings 214 and the platform block 200 includes sixteen rows 212. As should be apparent, other embodiments may include more or less openings 214 and/or rows 212.

As shown in FIG. 5, the openings 214 of two adjacent rows 212B have a greater width dimension than a width dimension of the openings 214 of other rows 212. For example, a dimension of the width of an opening in one of the two adjacent rows 212B plus a width of an adjacent rib 216 may be about 2.08 inches, as indicated by dimensions E and F of FIG. 5. As should be apparent, these example dimensions are again provided for purposes of illustration only (and are not limiting), and other embodiments may include any other suitable dimensions.

The rows 212B are located in substantially a center of the multiple rows 212 of the openings 214. For example, the rib 216 separating the adjacent rows 212B is in substantially a center of the bottom surface 206 of platform block 200. This may allow for coupling the platform block 200 across multiple platform blocks having a smaller size than the platform block 200 (or having the same size), such that the platform block 200 coves and spans a joint between the other multiple platform blocks. An example of such coupling is illustrated in FIG. 10 and will be described in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 10, a platform block assembly 300 includes multiple platform blocks 200 and 400. Platform blocks 400 are similar to platform block 200, but may have a smaller size (e.g., a smaller length, may be square, etc.). For example, platform blocks 400 may have a grid of openings defined in a bottom surface of the platform block of approximately ten rows of openings with eight openings per row. Accordingly, the platform blocks 400 may be about half the size of the platform block 200, such that the platform block 200 can be placed across the top of two platform blocks 400 (when the two platform blocks 400 are positioned adjacent to each other).

In some embodiments, the platform blocks 400 may be similar to the platform block 100 of FIG. 1 (although this is not required in all embodiments). In one example embodiment, platform block 400 may have a length of approximately 19 inches, a width of approximately 15.5 inches, and a height of approximately 2 inches. The protrusions extending from the top surface of the platform block 400, then, may have a height of approximately 0.63 inches. In other embodiments, the platform blocks 400 may be similar to the platform block 200.

Similar to platform block 200, each platform block 400 includes a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of protrusions extending upwards from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body, and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows.

As illustrated, the platform blocks 400 are arranged in two stacks that are adjacent to one another (e.g., touching each other, with a space between each other, etc.). Each stack includes multiple platform blocks 400, where the protrusions of a lower platform block 400 are received in openings of an upper platform block 400 directly above said lower platform block 400. This facilitates stacking of the platform blocks 400 directly on top of each other and inhibits the platform blocks 400 from sliding off of one another.

The height of the stacks of platform blocks 400 may be substantially similar, such that the platform block 200 can be placed across the top of the stacks. For example, each stack may include the same number of platform blocks 400.

As described above, the platform block 200 may include twice the number of openings 214 as the number of openings in each platform block 400. Accordingly, the platform block 200 may be twice the size of each platform block 400 and may cover substantially all of the top surfaces of the two stacks of platform blocks 400 (but again, this is not required in all embodiments).

In addition, the platform block 200 may have rows of openings that include double the number of protrusions of each platform block 400, such that the protrusions on the top of the two adjacent stacks of platform blocks 400 can be received in a same row of openings of the platform block 200. This may facilitate coupling of the two stacks via the platform block 200 (as shown in FIG. 10), to inhibit the two stacks from moving away from one another. For example, if the platform blocks each include eight protrusions per row, the platform block 200 may include sixteen openings in a row to receive the protrusions from two adjacent platform blocks 400 on the top of each stack.

As described above, the platform block 200 may include two center rows 212B of openings 214 where the width of the openings 214 is greater than a width of the openings in the other rows 212. This may allow the platform block 200 to receive protrusions from two different platform blocks 400 that are positioned adjacent one another (as shown in FIG. 10). For example, while the space between adjacent protrusions on a single platform block 400 may be uniform, there can be extra space between a protrusion and the edge of the platform block 400. As such, when two different ones of the platform blocks 400 are placed side by side, the distance between the protrusions at the contacting sides of the two platform blocks 400 may be greater than the distance between consecutive protrusions on a single platform block 400. The openings 214 of the platform block 200 in rows 212B may account for this difference by having greater width dimension openings to receive the protrusions at the contacting sides of the two different ones of the platform blocks 400.

Accordingly, the platform block 200 may be placed across adjacent stacks of platform blocks 400. Again, this may allow for increased height in positioning weightlifting equipment such that lifts can be performed from different heights, etc. The platform block 200 can also be used to inhibit the stacks of platform blocks 400 from moving away from one another, and can provide a greater surface area for placing weights, etc.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example stacking arrangement 500 of multiple platform blocks 200. The illustrated stacking arrangement 500 includes platform blocks 200 arranged in a stair pattern. As shown in FIG. 11, two stacks 501 and 503 are placed adjacent each other on a surface, with a distance/spacing 505 between them. Each stack 501 and 503 includes two platform blocks 200. A third stack 507 is coupled to the top of the two stacks 501 and 503. The top platform block 200 in each stack 501 and 503 has protrusions that are received in openings defined in the bottom platform block 200 of the third stack 507, thereby coupling the stacks together in the stair pattern.

The stair pattern can allow a user to perform step training by moving up and down the platform blocks 200 of the stair pattern. The platform blocks 200 may be sized (e.g., have a width, depth, etc.) that allows a user to stand on the platform blocks 200 with an assistance device such as a cane, walker, etc., where the prior art block 100, for example, would be too small to allow, or be used as, a stair training device in this manner.

As shown in FIG. 11, the outermost protrusions of each stack 501 and 503 are received in outer rows of openings of the stack 507 (e.g., the top and bottom rows 212 in the view of FIG. 5, etc.). However, it should be apparent that the platform blocks 200 could be arranged in any other suitable stacking arrangements, including more or less blocks 200 per stack, more or less stairs, smaller or larger gaps/distances/spacings between stairs, etc.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Again, it should be understood that the dimensions and/or shapes provided herein are merely exemplary (and are not limiting), and that other embodiments may include parts with different dimensions and/or different shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A platform block for use in exercising applications, the platform block comprising: a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, and defining a length and a width; a plurality of protrusions extending upwards from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body; and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows, each opening having a width dimension; wherein the openings in two adjacent rows of the multiple rows of openings in the bottom surface of the body each have a width dimension that is greater than the width dimension of the other openings defined in the bottom surface of the body.
 2. The platform block of claim 1, wherein the multiple rows include sixteen rows.
 3. The platform block of claim 2, wherein each one of the multiple rows includes ten openings.
 4. The platform block of claim 1, wherein each one of the plurality of protrusions has a uniform height.
 5. The platform block of claim 4, wherein the height of each one of the plurality of protrusions is about one inch.
 6. The platform block of claim 4, wherein each one of the openings has a uniform depth.
 7. The platform block of claim 6, wherein the height of each one of the plurality of protrusions is less than or equal to the depth of the openings.
 8. The platform block of claim 7, wherein the height of each one of the plurality of protrusions is greater than or equal to half of the depth of the openings.
 9. The platform block of claim 1, wherein each one of the plurality of protrusions is sized to fit in one of the openings, thereby facilitating coupling of the plurality of protrusions to corresponding openings of another platform block.
 10. The platform block of claim 1, wherein the two adjacent rows of openings having a greater width dimension are located in a center of the multiple rows of openings.
 11. The platform block of claim 10, wherein the openings in the two adjacent rows of openings have a width dimension of about 2.08 inches, and the openings in other ones of the multiple rows have a width dimension of about 1.9 inches.
 12. The platform block of claim 1, wherein: a length of the body is greater than a width of the body; and the plurality of protrusions are located along edge portions of the width of the body.
 13. The platform block of claim 12, wherein the plurality of protrusions are located a uniform distance from the edge portions, such that the plurality of protrusions can be received in corresponding rows of openings of another platform block where the corresponding rows are located on opposite ends of the other platform block.
 14. The platform block of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are integral with the body.
 15. The platform block of claim 1, wherein the openings in the two adjacent rows of the multiple rows of openings in the bottom surface of the body are configured to receive protrusions associated with two other platform blocks, when the two other platform blocks are positioned adjacent each other and when the platform block is positioned on top of the two other platform blocks.
 16. A platform block assembly comprising: multiple platform blocks, each platform block having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body, and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows; wherein a first one of the platform blocks is configured to be arranged with protrusions of the first one of the platform blocks received in openings of a second one of the platform blocks, such that the first one of the platform blocks and the second one of the platform blocks can be arranged in a first stack; wherein a third one of the platform blocks is configured to be arranged with protrusions of the third one of the platform blocks received in openings of a fourth one of the platform blocks, such that the third one of the platform blocks and the fourth one of the platform blocks can be arranged in a second stack adjacent the first stack; and wherein a fifth one of the platform blocks is configured to be disposed at least partially across the top of the first stack and the second stack, with protrusions of the second one of the platform blocks and protrusions of the fourth one of the platform blocks received in openings of the fifth one of the platform blocks, thereby coupling the first stack to the second stack.
 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the fifth one of the platform blocks includes twice the number of openings as each platform block in the first stack or the second stack.
 18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the fifth one of the platform blocks covers substantially all of the top surfaces of the second one of the platform blocks and the fourth one of the platform blocks in the first stack and the second stack.
 19. A platform block assembly comprising: multiple platform blocks, each platform block having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from the top surface of the body along opposing edge portions of the top surface of the body, and openings defined in the bottom surface of the body and arranged in multiple rows; wherein a first one of the platform blocks is configured to be disposed at least partially across the top surfaces of second and third ones of the platform blocks, with protrusions of the second and third ones of the platform blocks received in openings of the first one of the platform blocks, thereby coupling the second and third ones of the platform blocks together.
 20. The platform block assembly of claim 19, wherein the openings of the first one of the platform blocks are located in two adjacent rows disposed toward a middle of the first one of the platform blocks; and wherein the openings each have a width dimension that is greater than a width dimension of the other openings of the first one of the platform blocks located in other rows next to the two adjacent rows. 